Vietnam

How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
1h 30min
💶
From
18€
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Distance
1114 km
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There are 2 way(s) to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
📍Ho Chi Minh City's main departure point for long-distance buses to the north is Mien Dong Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Dong), located in Binh Thanh District. It's a huge station, so arrive early and check your gate number. For flights, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) serves domestic routes.
🚇From the city center, you can reach Mien Dong Bus Station by Grab taxi or motorbike (approx. 20-30 min, 3-5€). For Tan Son Nhat Airport, Grab is also the most convenient option (approx. 30-45 min depending on traffic, 5-8€). Public buses are available but can be less direct.
Long-distance buses typically have several departures throughout the day and evening for overnight routes. Domestic flights from Tan Son Nhat to Hai Phong (Cat Bi Airport) are frequent, with multiple flights daily from early morning to late evening.
💸 Transport from 18€ per person
Fastest: 1h 30min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

💡
Book Overnight Sleeper Buses Strategically

If you opt for an overnight sleeper bus on shorter legs, choose reputable operators and aim for the top bunk for more privacy. Bring earplugs, an eye mask, and a light blanket or jacket to combat potential noise and cold air conditioning, ensuring a better night's sleep.

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Secure Your Ferry Tickets in Advance

For popular island destinations like Phu Quoc or Cat Ba, especially during peak season or holidays, ferry tickets can sell out quickly. Always book your fast ferry tickets a few days in advance via 12go.asia or directly with the operator to avoid missing your connection.

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Understand Cross-Border Bus Logistics

When crossing borders by bus to Cambodia or Laos, prepare for potential delays at checkpoints. Have all your visa documents ready and ensure your passport has sufficient validity. Reputable operators usually assist with the process, but patience is key.

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Compare All Transport Options

Before booking, use platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn to compare all available transport types (bus, train, ferry, flight) side-by-side. This helps you quickly assess prices, durations, and comfort levels to make the most informed decision for your journey.

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Prioritize Comfort for Long Journeys

For very long routes like Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong, spending a bit more on a comfortable soft-sleeper train berth or a domestic flight can save you significant discomfort and ensure you arrive well-rested. Sometimes, the cheapest option isn't the best value.

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling the length of Vietnam is an incredible adventure, but knowing whether to jump on a sleeper bus, catch a train, hop on a ferry, or take a quick flight can be tricky. For long hauls like Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong, picking the right transport can save you a whole day or a night, ensuring you maximize your travel time and comfort. Let's break down your options so you can choose wisely and avoid any pitfalls.

When going from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong, your primary choices are a long-distance sleeper bus or a domestic flight. A bus journey will cost around 18€ and take a significant 17 hours, usually running overnight. Airlines offer a much faster alternative, with flights costing about 80€ and lasting only 2 hours. While the bus is budget-friendly, the flight clearly wins for speed and convenience, letting you arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

Considering Vietnam's length, it's essential to weigh cost against time and comfort for each leg of your journey. For a route as substantial as Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong, flying is often the most sensible option to avoid a very long bus ride that could impact your energy for the next day's adventures. Always check schedules in advance on platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn to secure your preferred option and ensure a smooth, worry-free trip.

Frequently asked questions — Ho Chi Minh City → Hai Phong

✨ Why visit Hai Phong?

  • Explore the vibrant local markets like Cho Sat, offering fresh produce and local delicacies.
  • Visit Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay for stunning limestone karsts, kayaking, and secluded beaches.
  • Discover the historic Du Hang Pagoda, an ancient temple with beautiful architecture.
  • Indulge in Hai Phong's unique culinary scene, especially Banh Da Cua (crab noodle soup).
  • Stroll along Tam Bac Lake and enjoy the city's charming promenade and colonial architecture.
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Recommended stay
2 to 3 nights — ideal for exploring the city, Cat Ba Island, and local cuisine.

☀️ When to visit Hai Phong?

TROPICAL MONSOON CLIMATE

October to April — dry season with pleasant temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities.

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May 😐
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In Hai Phong — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Hai Phong
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Hai Phong?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🌊
Explore Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay
Gateway to the stunning Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island offers breathtaking karst landscapes, pristine beaches, and trekking opportunities in Cat Ba National Park. Rent a scooter to explore freely or book a boat tour from Ben Beo harbor to discover hidden coves. Daily ferry services connect Hai Phong to Cat Ba, expect about 8-12€ for the combined bus/ferry ticket.
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Visit Hai Phong Opera House
A magnificent example of French colonial architecture, the Hai Phong Opera House dominates the city center. While performances are infrequent, its exterior and the surrounding squares offer a glimpse into the city's historical grandeur. It's best viewed in the late afternoon for photography, and entry inside is typically restricted unless there's an event. Free to admire from outside.
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Savor Banh Da Cua
Hai Phong's signature dish, Banh Da Cua, is a delicious noodle soup with crab, 'bánh đa đỏ' (red noodles), pork sausage, and various herbs. Look for small, local eateries around Luong Khanh Thien street or Cau Dat for an authentic experience. A bowl typically costs around 1-3€, a must-try for foodies.
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Explore Du Hang Pagoda
This ancient Buddhist pagoda, dating back to the 17th century, is one of Hai Phong's most significant religious sites. It features beautiful traditional architecture, serene gardens, and several statues. Take your time to walk around the tranquil grounds and observe local worship. Best visited in the morning for a peaceful experience. Free entry, donations welcome.
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Discover Do Son Beach & Casino
Do Son is a popular seaside resort town near Hai Phong, known for its beaches and the only legal casino in Vietnam. While the beaches can get crowded, it's a good spot for a day trip. The casino offers a different kind of entertainment. Getting there by local bus or taxi takes about 45 minutes from Hai Phong city center, expect 1-2€ for bus fare.
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Wander around Cho Sat Market
Immerse yourself in local life at Cho Sat (Iron Market), a bustling traditional market. You'll find everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing and household goods. It's an excellent place to observe daily routines and try street food. Be prepared for crowds and a lively atmosphere. Best to visit in the morning for the freshest goods. Free to enter, practice your bargaining skills.
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Relax at Tam Bac Lake
Tam Bac Lake is a pleasant urban oasis in the heart of Hai Phong. It's surrounded by green spaces, cafes, and walkways, perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially in the evening when locals gather. You can rent a small pedal boat for a relaxing ride on the lake. Boat rentals are typically around 2-3€ per hour. A great spot for people-watching.
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Experience Bia Hoi Culture
Join the locals for 'Bia Hoi', fresh, unpasteurized draft beer, a quintessential Vietnamese experience. Look for small, open-air establishments with plastic stools along the sidewalks, especially in the evenings. It's incredibly cheap, often less than 1€ per glass, and a great way to soak in the local atmosphere. Pair it with some simple street food snacks.

⏱️ How long to visit Hai Phong?

2 to 3 days

For an independent traveler, 2-3 days in Hai Phong is ideal. With 2 days, explore the city center, its markets, and enjoy local cuisine. If you have 3 days, consider a day trip to Cat Ba Island or Do Son Beach. Prioritize booking accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.

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